Sage Canaday doesn’t really need an introduction. His running endeavors and accomplishments span across the country and even the world. From top finishes in many of running’s hardest races (like his recent Speedgoat 50K win), to his work in the field as an author and filmmaker at V02max Productions, Canaday is well known in the industry.
Perhaps most surprising of Canaday is his versatility in the sport: not only is he gunning for a 3rd qualification in the Olympic Marathon Trials, but he also wants to be the best Mountain-Ultra-Trail runner in the world.
Read on to find out how pizza and beer fuel this running machine, and if the interview isn’t enough, check out Canaday’s website for an in-depth peek into his intriguing world.
Quick Stats
Name: Sage Canaday
Age: 28
Hometown & Current: Sheridan, OR; Boulder, CO
Professional & Educational background: BS Ergonomic Design from Cornell University (2009). Coach, Author and filmmaker at Vo2max Productions, LLC.
Sports participated in: Cross Country, Track, Road Running, Mountain-Ultra Trail Running
Years in current sport: 3
Racing Team: Team Colorado
Sponsors/Affiliations: HOKA ONE ONE, Flora Health, Avery Brewing CO, UgoBars, Strava, Drymax socks, VFuel, Smith Optics,
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
Ivy League Conference Champion at 10km on the track (2008). I was proud of this race because track was never my forte like cross country was.
Qualified for the 2008 US Olympic Marathon Trials in 2007 with a 2:21 marathon while in college. I was the youngest participant in the OT race that year at the age of 21.
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I want to be one of the best Mountain-Ultra-Trail runner in the world. To break more course records on climbs and expand my range to the 100 mile distance. I’d also like to qualify for my 3rd Olympic Marathon Trials by 2016.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
Altitude. Sunshine. Mountain Trails. Great people, great food, great beer!
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I usually only run once a day, 7 days a week. Weekly long run in the 20 to 30 mile range. Lots of uphill tempo runs up Green Mountain or Flagstaff road in Boulder. Rarely touch the track but do road work close to 5:00 flat pace at times.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I take my easy days really easy. I’m running 2-3 min per mile slower than my marathon race pace most days.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans?
I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life. I take Flora Health oils for omega-3s and to help burn fat and recover. I like almonds and pizza and Avery beer!
Do you have any recommended resources to share?
Daniels Distance Running Formula hands down is the best (and first) training book I read. I still have the original edition from 1998.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
I race mountain-ultra-trail races a lot now. Pretty much once or twice a month I have a race. I’m in a cycle of taper, race, recovery and trying to come back strong and train for only a couple weeks at a time. It is not a sustainable practice and I can only be at 90% of the time most of the year. It helps to run in HOKA shoes and have a sound nutrition and sleep plan!
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Pikes Peak Ascent. It’s a race up a 14er and it humbled me!
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
Boulder. It’s not too high, but you can get up over 8,000 feet pretty quick for some higher training.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: HOKA one one Huaka
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Avery IPA
Favorite post-run/race meal: Pizza
Role models: Brian Sell, Bill Rodgers, Jono Wyatt
Day job: Pro Runner, social media specialist
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? Mainly solo. Sometimes adventure runs with my girlfriend Sandi Nypaver.
Favorite Restaurant: The Rio in Boulder
Favorite Coffee Shop: Ozo
Favorite Bar: Avery Brewery
Favorite Running Store: Boulder Running Co.
Favorite non-running activity: video editing
Favorite TV Show: I haven’t had a tv in years but before it was Big Bang Theory
Favorite book: The Little Prince
Favorite movie: The Game
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
After a horrible freshman year in college I rallied and made varsity in cross country as a sophomore. I basically lost 20 pounds of fat, got my iron levels back up and ran 100 miles a week all summer.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Running is a lifestyle.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
Never give up!
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I want to travel the world and use my legs to make a living. I love helping people achieve their running goals through my YouTube videos, blog, and social media posts.